Telling stories their own unique way
Young filmmakers recognised for their work.
They are passionate about telling stories and these two young filmmakers are ready to grow and fill the world with their tales.
Xolani Mbelu (23) from Dinwiddie and Odwa Kolwane (23) from Brakpan met when they registered at Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) arts campus in Pretoria Central two years ago and have been firm friends and co-workers ever since.
Now in their second year of film and television production, the duo work on projects as filmmakers to inspire the youth.
And their work is starting to be recognised with them earning three nominations, as well as a win at the recent Ekurhuleni International Film Festival.
“We were nominated for best director, best documentary and best trailer,” said Xolani.
“We were thrilled when we walked off with the Best Trailer Award.”
The youngsters’ documentary, Up in Smoke, was about spinning and drifting and how a young man Levi Mambolo (23) takes part in the sport.
Through their research they showed how the sport has evolved over the years.
“We enjoyed doing the documentary, it was something completely different,” said Xolani.
Odwa added that they have also just finished working on a feature film entitled The Impressions.
“It is based on a true love story of a boy who changes his life to impress a girl and then realises he has made the wrong choice by changing himself,” said Odwa.
“We are also working on a new documentary, for release in February, next year, where we talk to parents about art and try and change the perceptions parents often have about the world of art which leads to conflict between them and their children who want to study it,” said Xolani.
Both young men say their parents support their career choices and help them with equipment to do their work.
The duo told the GCN they work well together and balance each other out, with Xolani favouring documentaries and Odwa feature films.
Xolani said that his love of filmmaking started in Grade 10 when he had to start thinking about a choice of career.
“I was interested in acting and completed my Level One in theatre acting at the Market Theatre.
“I then worked as an extra on Generations,” he said.
“When I was there I saw behind the scenes and the cameras and lights and everything about the process grabbed my attention.
“It changed my whole perspective.
“I love acting, but the process of making a film is much more exciting.”
Odwa told the GCN that he started writing scripts in Grade 10, but he wanted to study biomedical technology, as well as act.
When he got to university he could not study the course he wanted as it was full so he opted to study IT and do acting as an extracurricular activity.
“I was working as a security guard on Muvhango for SABC when I met a script writer,” Odwa said.
“He told me I should study what I want and that it was not too late to change.
“He said I should do what I love.”
Both young men have big plans for the future.
Xolani plans to be an independent filmmaker and grow his own production company, Black House Entertainment.
The motto of the company is “everything big starts small” and all forms of art will have a place at the company, including filmmaking, music and art.
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“The aim will be to create employment.
“I think we need to recognise art and the company will put all art forms in one place to show people what we can produce,” Xolani said.
Odwa also wants to be an independent filmmaker and has a company called Idealist Media and Production.
“I will create films, short films, music videos and documentaries,” he said.
“Ideally I want to have actors who the company employs to star in the films.”
Xolani added that with his films he wants to show what we have in South Africa.
“Whatever they have overseas, we have here and I want to show people that,” he said.
Odwa said, “We are blessed as we have African stories.
“This makes us unique and I think people make a mistake if they try to emulate what people are doing overseas.
“I aim to change the narrative and tell African stories.”
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Ashley Kiley (Journalist) ashleyk@caxton.co.za.
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